AZ Central claimed Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has held himself steadfast against critics. His actions tell a different story.
So far, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has seen a plethora of criticism going his way, from Chris Mortenson’s reported spat that the then-third year player had with the organization during the offseason to many analysts criticizing his body language on the field during an embarrassing 34-11 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The latter, which occurred in January 2022, was when I choked down my red pill regarding Murray.
Until then, I was confident that Murray was the guy to lead the Redbirds atop a podium it has never stood. In fact, Murray was the reason my interest returned to the Cardinals after they drafted him in 2019. I even addressed a few criticisms by making excuses, pointing out how much the Arizona Cardinals improved under him, and to a degree, Kliff Kingsbury.
These days, I wish they passed on him, as I stated in a previous article. But going back to the 2019 draft, there was nothing about Murray that I didn’t like besides him having just one glorious season in college. An obvious red flag for any quarterback. But for a player who was under six feet tall, a dual threat, and one with a backyard style of football, I overlooked the shortcomings and felt this was exactly who we needed in the desert.
So far in 2022, literally since the offseason started, Murray has proven me wrong on all accounts. He has shown immaturity this offseason, and even into the regular season. And some of it has to do with the way he handles criticism.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has handled criticism poorly
Say what you want about Murray, but calling out Patrick Peterson via Twitter does not demonstrate one being “undaunted by criticism.” An undaunted quarterback would have not allowed Peterson’s criticism to affect him. In other words, Murray wouldn’t have said what he did on Twitter. Instead, the Arizona Cardinals quarterback clearly felt the need to respond to Peterson.
"“This isn’t true…you on some weird (expletive) @p2. You got my number, if you really felt this as a “big bro” or “mentor” you supposed to call me and tell me, not drag me so your podast can grow.” – Kyler Murray, via AZ Central."
Ironically enough, Peterson reached out to Murray. The quarterback didn’t respond.
Go back to July, when Murray felt compelled to hold a press conference to talk about the study clause in his lucrative contract extension. He used adjectives like “disrespectful,” and phrases like, “almost a joke” to discuss his displeasure. Murray also said the following:
"“I refuse to let my work ethic and my preparation be in question. I’ve put in an incomprehensible amount of time in what I do.” – Kyler Murray, via SI.com."
And of course, he also addressed his critics, using the word “flattered,” to describe what his thoughts that they thought he accomplished his accolades (which he also felt compelled to list, by the way), without ample prep time. Clearly, if Murray were undaunted, he wouldn’t be calling press conferences to discuss issues like independent study clauses. He also wouldn’t be snapping at Peterson on Twitter.
Kyler did say he was “flattered” that people could think he could have this much success without preparation for the game.
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) July 28, 2022
Those in the desert can think what they will of Murray. And while he hasn’t addressed the laundry list of critics out there, he hasn’t simply shrugged them off. His heated retort with DeAndre Hopkins on the sideline of a Week 9 game against the Seattle Seahawks provides even more proof that critics are, at least partially, daunting Murray.
So how can he erase such criticisms? Why not go out and win a few games before the season ends? Hopefully, those wins started coming this week against the New England Patriots and Mac Jones, a quarterback who has received his own fair share of criticism this season.
Article Source: Cardinals’ Kyler Murray keeps slinging, despite arrows that keep coming his way by Bob McManaman
Article Source: Kyler Murray Holds Surprise Presser, Says Homework Clause Talk Has Been ‘Disrespectful’ by Joseph Salvador
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